Maine to Idaho Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,798 miles from Maine to Idaho usually costs between $1,428 and $2,128. Transit time is about seven–fifteen days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Idaho to Maine car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Maine to Idaho car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Maine to Idaho:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Maine
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Maine that can relocate your vehicle to Idaho:
- Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- CraftsTransport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Maine to Idaho
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Maine to Idaho, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 2,798 miles to your vehicle on the route from Maine to Idaho. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Maine to Idaho is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Maine to Idaho auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Maine and Idaho. The typical distance is about 2,798 miles, with shipping times generally falling between seven and fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Idaho
| From Maine to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Boise, ID | $1,370 – $2,330 | 2,758 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Portland, ME to Meridian, ID | $1,456 – $2,150 | 2,766 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Portland, ME to Nampa, ID | $1,485 – $2,240 | 2,775 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Portland, ME to Idaho Falls, ID | $1,315 – $2,157 | 2,536 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Portland, ME to Caldwell, ID | $1,413 – $2,150 | 2,782 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to Idaho
| From Maine to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, ME to Boise, ID | $1,399 – $2,307 | 2,791 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Meridian, ID | $1,399 – $2,150 | 2,799 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Nampa, ID | $1,530 – $2,185 | 2,807 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Idaho Falls, ID | $1,315 – $2,030 | 2,569 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Caldwell, ID | $1,414 – $2,231 | 2,815 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to Idaho
| From Maine to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME to Boise, ID | $1,487 – $2,323 | 2,887 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bangor, ME to Meridian, ID | $1,501 – $2,254 | 2,896 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bangor, ME to Nampa, ID | $1,516 – $2,335 | 2,904 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bangor, ME to Idaho Falls, ID | $1,382 – $2,287 | 2,665 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Bangor, ME to Caldwell, ID | $1,441 – $2,430 | 2,912 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to Idaho
| From Maine to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, ME to Boise, ID | $1,470 – $2,195 | 2,760 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| South Portland, ME to Meridian, ID | $1,442 – $2,150 | 2,768 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| South Portland, ME to Nampa, ID | $1,428 – $2,240 | 2,776 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| South Portland, ME to Idaho Falls, ID | $1,275 – $2,157 | 2,538 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| South Portland, ME to Caldwell, ID | $1,356 – $2,195 | 2,784 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to Idaho
| From Maine to Idaho | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ME to Boise, ID | $1,442 – $2,330 | 2,788 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Auburn, ME to Meridian, ID | $1,370 – $2,240 | 2,796 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Auburn, ME to Nampa, ID | $1,428 – $2,392 | 2,805 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Auburn, ME to Idaho Falls, ID | $1,382 – $2,030 | 2,566 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Auburn, ME to Caldwell, ID | $1,530 – $2,208 | 2,813 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to Idaho
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Maine to Idaho, expect costs to range from $1,785 to $2,660.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to Idaho
When arranging car transport from the Pine Tree State to the Gem State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Idaho.
- Distance and route: The journey from Maine to Idaho spans about 2,798 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Maine more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Maine and Idaho.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within seven–fifteen days, but expedited options cost more.
Idaho vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Idaho, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
- Driver’s license: If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
- Additional taxes: New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Maine
More than 1.4 million people call Maine home. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
Transporting your vehicle to Idaho
About 2.0 million people are living in the Gem State. The climate in Idaho varies widely. In the west cloud cover, humidity, and precipitation are at their maximum extent. Idaho can be hot but have relatively low humidity and cooler evenings during the summer months. It is important to know that winters in Idaho can be cold.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Maine and delivery in Idaho?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Maine and when dropping it off in Idaho.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to Idaho?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine to Idaho, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Idaho, which you should verify before loading your car in Maine.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Maine to Idaho?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to Idaho is about 2,798 miles, and that’s as fast as about 6 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from Maine to Idaho.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
If I have a driver’s license in Maine, will I need one in Idaho?
If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
If I bought a car in Maine, will I be required to pay sales tax in Idaho after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Maine to Idaho after purchasing it.
New residents in Idaho must register their out-of-state vehicle with the Idaho DMV within 90 days of moving. Note that if you bought the vehicle prior to moving, you may owe a use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Maine and Idaho to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Idaho?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Idaho is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Maine to Idaho?
Shipping a car from Maine to Idaho costs $1,428 to $2,128.
84 Airport Rd, Old Town, ME 04468
23 Water, St #340, Bangor, ME 04401
138 High, St Suite 172, Ellsworth, ME 04605